MX2011004167A

MX2011004167A - Method and apparatus for anodizing objects.

Info

Publication number: MX2011004167A
Application number: MX2011004167A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Scott S Turner; Karsten V Nielsen
Original assignee: Pioneer Metal Finishing Llc
Priority date: 2010-05-21
Filing date: 2011-04-18
Publication date: 2011-11-21
Also published as: JP2011246815A; JP5932241B2; US20110284385A1; EP2388358A1; EP2388358B1

Abstract

A method and apparatus for electrolytically treating a surface of a component includes a reaction chamber, a transport chamber and a fluid return path. The reaction chamber is adapted for placing at least a portion of the component therein, and holds a reaction fluid. Fluid enters the reaction chamber through a plurality of inlets. Each inlet directs the fluid toward the component at one or more non-zero vertical angles, and at one or more non-zero horizontal angles. The reaction chamber is a fixture having a cover with an underside shaped to direct the fluid to the surface of the component, such as by having a plurality of slopes. The inlets are through a material that is electrically non-conductive, such as ceramic, plastic, PVC, and fiber reinforced plastic, and/or the fixture further includes a titanium cathode ring that can be vertically adjacent the non-conductive material.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANODIZING OBJECTS Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to the technique of electrolytic formation of coatings on metal parts. More specifically it relates to the electrolytic formation of a coating of a metal substrate by cathodic deposition of metal ions dissolved in the reaction medium (electrolyte) on the metal substrate (cathode), or anodic conversion of the metal substrate (anode) in an adherent ceramic coating (oxide film).

Background of the Invention It is well known that many components and metal parts need a final surface treatment. This surface treatment increases the functionality and the life time of the part by improving one or more properties of the part, such as thermal resistance, corrosion protection, wear resistance, hardness, electrical conductivity, lubricity or by simply increasing the cosmetic value .

An example of a part that is typically treated on the surface is the aluminum piston head, used in combustion engines. (As used herein an aluminum component is a component that comprises less partially aluminum, including aluminum alloys). These piston heads are in contact with the combustion zone, and thus exposed to relatively hot gases. Aluminum is subjected to great internal stresses, which can result in deformation or changes in the metallurgical structure, and can have a negative influence on the functionality and life of the parts. It is well known that the formation of an anodic oxide coating (anodization) reduces the risk that the aluminum pistons perform unsatisfactorily. In this way, many aluminum piston heads are anodized.

There is a disadvantage in anodizing the piston heads. Conventional anodizing with voltage or direct current increases the surface roughness of the initial aluminum surface by applying an anode coating. The amount of VOC (Organic Compounds Volatile) in the exhaust of a combustion engine is correlated with the surface finish of the anodized aluminum piston: a higher surface roughness reduces the combustion efficiency, because a greater proportion of organic compounds in the microcavities can be more easily trapped . Therefore, a smooth surface is required, which can not always be provided by anodizing or anodizing.

Conventional anodising includes subjecting the aluminum to an acid electrolyte, typically composed of sulfuric acid or electrolyte mixed with sulfuric and oxalic acid. Usually higher concentrations and higher temperature significantly decrease the formation speed. Also, the formation voltage decreases with a higher temperature, which adversely affects the compaction and the technical properties of the oxide film.

The realization of anodizing processes to a (relatively) low temperature and a fairly high current density, increases the compaction and technical quality of the coating performance (higher hardness and wear resistance). Anodization reduces a significant amount of heat. The heat is the result of the exothermic nature of the anodized aluminum, and the resistance of the aluminum towards anodizing or anodizing.

The electrolyte is acid, and in this way it chemically dissolves the aluminum oxide. In this way, the net formation of the coating (aluminum oxide) depends on the balance between the electrolytic conversion of aluminum into aluminum oxide and the chemical dissolution of the aluminum oxide formed. The rate of chemical dissolution increases with heat. In this way, total heat production influences this balance and the final quality of the anode coating. It must be dispersed in the heat of production areas towards the volumetric solution at a speed that prevents excessive heating of the electrolyte near the aluminum part. If the balance between formation and dissolution is not properly achieved, dissolution is favored, the oxide layer can develop holes, exposing the alloy to the electrolyte.

The heat produced on the aluminum surface is dispersed by agitation of air or by mechanically stirring the electrolyte in which oxidation of aluminum is taking place, in the prior art, to help achieve the desired balance. Another way to disperse heat is by spraying the electrolyte toward the aluminum surface (U.S. Patent No. 5,534,126 and U.S. Patent No. 5,032,244). The electrolyte is sprayed onto the aluminum surface at a 90 degree angle, which moves the heat to the production areas, and then disperses symmetrically away from the aluminum surface. Another way to disperse heat is to pump the electrolyte onto the aluminum substrate (U.S. Patent No. 5,173,161). The electrolyte moves parallel to the aluminum surface, moving the heat from the bottom of the aluminum substrate over the entire surface before it finally disperses away from the surface. aluminum surface.

U.S. Patent No. 6126808, thus incorporated by reference, is a significant advance over the prior art and teaches the spraying of the reaction medium towards the metal substrate (component) through holes in the counter electrode. (cathode) at a horizontal angle of between 15 and 90 degrees, and preferably between 60 and 70 degrees. The horizontal angle, as used herein, includes the angle, in a horizontal plane, relative to the shortest horizontal distance to a component, and a horizontal zero angle along the horizontal line that is the shortest distance to the component.

The system provides the flow of the reaction medium from a volumetric solution below the container through the reaction chamber and back to the tank. Because the reaction medium moves towards the working electrode at a horizontal angle, heat and reaction products can be dispersed away from the working electrode. The electrolyte is stored and cooled to an appropriate process temperature ranging from -10 degrees C to +40 degrees C. This system plays a substantial improvement over the prior art. However, dissolved metals from the process can plug the holes in the counter electrode (cathode), which can lead to jam unless cleaning is performed.

An anodizing method and apparatus is desirable that further reduces processing time with high training and minimum handling potentials to obtain coatings of desirable quality and consistency. The process and apparatus will preferably decrease the production costs and will have a closed circuit process design that reduces the impact of the electrolyte in the internal and external environments. The process will also preferably remove the heat from near the component that is anodized, and avoid clogging of the nozzles through which the reaction fluid flows.

Brief Description of the Present Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for electrolytically treating a surface of a component includes a reaction chamber, a transport chamber and a fluid return path. The reaction chamber is adapted to place at least a portion of the component therein, and retains a reaction fluid. The transport chamber is in communication for fluids with the reaction chamber. The noise enters the reaction chamber from the transport chamber through a plurality of inputs directed towards the component. Each of the inlets is positioned to direct the fluid towards the component to at least one non-zero vertical angle. He fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the transport chamber via the fluid return path.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an attachment for anodising a component includes a reaction chamber with a plurality of entries. Each of the inlets directs the electrolyte towards the component to at least one non-zero vertical angle.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for electrolytically treating a component includes directing a reaction fluid towards the component along a plurality of routes. Each route is in one of at least one non-zero vertical angle.

The at least one non-zero vertical angle is at least two non-zero vertical angles, greater than and / or less than zero in several alternatives.

The plurality of inputs direct the fluid towards the component to at least one non-zero horizontal angle, or to at least two non-zero horizontal angles, greater than and / or less than zero in other alternatives.

The reaction chamber is an attachment having a cover with a bottom formed to direct the fluid to the surface of the component, such as by applying a plurality of slopes in other embodiments.

The plurality of entrances and the lower part of the roof cooperate to renew the fluid on the surface, and / or to cause the fluid to remove the heat from the surface of the component in other alternatives.

The entrances go through a material that is electrically non-conductive, such as ceramic, plastic, PVC, and fiber-reinforced plastic, and / or the attachment further includes a titanium cathode ring that can be vertically adjacent to the non-conductive material. , in several alternatives.

Other features and major advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following figures, the detailed description and the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a block diagram of a general method that implements the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the process vessel that enhances the present invention; Figure 3 is an angled sectional view of a counter electrode according to the preferred embodiment; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a counter electrode according to the preferred embodiment; Figure 5 is a vertical cross section of a working electrode mounted on a mounting attachment, according to the preferred embodiment; Before explaining at least one modality of the invention, in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the figures. The invention is capable of other modalities or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting. Similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar components.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modalities While the present invention will be illustrated with reference to a particular system and method for anodizing an aluminum part with a particular attachment, it should be understood at the outset that the invention can also be implemented with other systems and methods and used to anodize other parts. which comprise other materials maintained in other attachments.

The process and apparatus described herein is in general consistent with that of U.S. Patent No. 6126808 of the prior art, but with changes described below. The process and general system are shown by the block diagram of Figure 1. The anodization is presented in a process vessel 100 (described in more detail below). It is placed a working electrode 102 (ie, the part to be anodized) in a reaction vessel 104, which is part of the vessel 100. After the anodization, the component or part 102 is moved to a rinse tank 110, wherein the working electrode is rinsed with pumped water from a rinsing reservoir 112 by a pump 114 to a rinsing chamber 116, through a set of sprinkler nozzles 118. The rinse water leaves the rinse chamber 116 through a rinse outlet 119 and returns to the rinse tank 112. The working electrode or part 102 is held mechanically in position during rinsing. After rinsing, the working electrode 102 is transferred to a drying vessel 120, where it is dried with hot air from a heater 122, which is pumped to the drying vessel 120 through several drying inlets 124. The component, as used herein, includes the device or object that is treated or anodized.

Alternatives include performing multiple steps (such as anodizing and rinsing) in an individual container or providing a station (after the drying container 120, for example) that scans the component as a quality control measure. The scan can be performed automatically using known techniques such as neural network analysis.

With reference now to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic view of a section of the process vessel 100 and related components, including a circular, outer, transport chamber 201 and the inner reaction vessel 104. The reaction medium (electrolyte solution) is transported from a medium reservoir 202, located below the process vessel 100 and in fluid communication therewith, by a pressure pump 203 in the transport chamber 201 through several channels 205 entry. Alternatives include other trained cameras, as well as entrances and exits that are in different locations. Communication for fluids, as used herein, includes a route or connection through which fluid can flow from one location or container to another. The reaction chamber, as used herein, includes the container in which the component to be treated or anodized is placed. The transport chamber, as used herein, includes the container and tubes, etc., which store and move an electrolyte or fluid to a reaction chamber.

The transport channel 201 and the reaction vessel 104 are separated by an inner wall consisting of a lower portion 206, produced from an inert material, and an upper portion 207, part of which is the counter electrode, and part of the which is (different from the prior art) a non-conductive injection ring and includes a set of inputs or reaction nozzles 210. Alternatively, the entire wall may be the electrode. The reaction medium enters the reaction vessel 104 through the reaction inlets or nozzles 210 through the portion 207. The reaction medium enters the reaction vessel 104 at a non-zero horizontal angle and (different from the prior art. ) at a non-zero vertical angle relative to the component surface, apart, aluminum substrate, or working electrode 102. The horizontal angle to the part is within the range of 15 to 90 (or -15 to -90) degrees, preferably 60 to 70 (or -60 to -70) degrees. The vertical angle to the component within the range of 15 to 85 degrees, preferably 20 to 40 degrees. The vertical angle, as used herein, includes the angle relative to the horizontal, and an upward vertical angle is greater than zero, and a vertical angle downward is less than zero.

The reaction medium leaves the reaction chamber 104 through a reaction outlet 212 and returns to the media reservoir 202. The inner wall (comprised of the portions 206 and 207) and an outer wall 213 are fixed to a bottom wall 214. The walls 206, 213 and 214 are comprised of an inert material, such as polypropylene. The reaction vessel 104 is closed by a movable top cover made of an inert material such as polypropylene, which includes a cover cap 219 and a mounting attachment 220, in which the working electrode 102 is placed. The mounting attachment 220 is interchangeable and is designed especially for the particular parts or working electrode 102 that is being anodized. The attachment, as used herein, includes the reaction chamber and the walls, inlets, cover, cathode, connections, etc. The cover (of a reaction chamber or abutment), as used herein, includes the surface on the reaction chamber of the chamber and may be partially open, and / or have the component extending therethrough.

The upper portion of the working electrode 102 is exposed to the air, improving the dispersion of the heat accumulated in the working electrode 102 during the processing. The selective formation of coatings on the working electrode 102 can be obtained in a manner consistent with the prior art, particularly US Pat. No. 6126808, Figures 3 and 4, such as using an open mask, etc. The mounting and masking device allows selective formation of coatings on the metal substrate at high speed as set forth in U.S. Patent No. 6126808.

The reaction medium is sprayed into the metal substrate through holes in the counter electrode of a way in which the reaction products (heat) are carried away from the metallic substrate (working electrode). Figure 3 shows a sectional view, at an angle with respect to the horizontal, has injection rings 301. A plurality of entries 1001 are shown, and are horizontally angled between 60 and 70 degrees. They are also at a non-zero vertical angle, as discussed in more detail below.

As set forth in USP 6126808, the reaction medium can be a solution of sulfuric acid and / or suitable organic acids. The electrolyte is preferably stored and cooled to an appropriate process temperature and pumped into the reaction chamber at an appropriate flow rate. The diional flow of the electrolyte is towards the aluminum surface so that the heat is carried away from the heat production areas. The electrolyte is transported to the reaction site to an inlet chamber, circular, outside and through the counter electrode towards the component, such as an aluminum piston. The counter electrode contains from one to 50, but preferably from 10 to 30 transport entries to the reaction chamber. The counter electrode is connected to the ifier and acts with a cathode (negative). Preferably, a pulse current pattern such as that set forth in U.S. Patent No. 6126808.

Referring again to Figure 3, a sectional view of an injection ring of the portion 207 of the inner wall is shown. The injection ring 301 includes the inlets 1001, and in the section it is at an angle equal to the vertical angle of the inlets 1001. If the sectional view was at a horizontal angle, the entries would appear to be oval. The inputs 1001 are horizontally angled between 60 and 70 degrees, and thus di the flow to the component at a non-zero horizontal angle. Died towards the component, as used herein, includes towards the component either dily or obliquely, such that the shortest distance to the component decreases.

The inputs 1001 are through an electrically non-conductive material in the preferred embodiment. Examples of these electrically non-conductive materials include ceramic, plastic, PVC, fiber reinforced plastic, etc. The preferred embodiment provides that the complete injection ring 301 is electrically non-conductive. Other embodiments provide that the portions between the inlets 1001 are electrically conductive. Electrically non-conductive, as used herein, includes a material that can electrically isolate the voltages that are used in the treatment.

In Figure 4 a perspective view of the portion 207 is shown, and includes the injection ring 301 and a cathode (or counter electrode) 401. The cathode 401 is preferably comprised of titanium and is vertically adjacent and dily below of the injection ring 301 (different from the prior art). Other embodiments provide for the cathode 401 to be dily above (even vertically adjacent) the injection ring 301, or adjacent and positioned between the inlets 1001. Vertically adjacent, as used herein, includes being continuous with, or in contact with, the cathode 401. with, or near, in the vertical diion.

Because the inputs are not through the cathode there is less likelihood of the inputs becoming clogged by the plating of the dissolved metals entering the anodizing solution during the process of the alloyed materials. Rather, the use of this invention will mimic unwanted plating primarily in non-critical areas, such as ring 401, or on the surface of ring 301.

The inputs are at a non-zero vertical angle, and in this way di the fluid towards the component at a non-zero vertical angle. Figure 5 shows a vertical cross section of a component 102 in an attachment 220 according to the preferred embodiment. It shows a entrance 1001, and is a vertical angle preferably between 20-40 degrees. Input 1001 appears to be oval because the section is at a horizontal angle of zero, and input 1001 is at a non-zero horizontal angle. Alternative embodiments provide negative vertical angles, and / or two or more non-zero vertical angles, and / or two or more non-zero horizontal angles for the inputs 1001. For example, each alternating input may be at vertical angles of +30 and - 30 degrees.

The component 102 is a piston, and is supported in its position by a spacer 501 in the attachment 220. The reaction noise enters through the inlet 1001, as indicated by an arrow 503. The inlet 1001 is through the ring 301 no driver. The non-conductive ring 301 is positioned vertically adjacent to the cathode 401. The cover 219 is placed on the attachment 220, and the fluid passes between the cover 504 and the attachment 220. Different from the prior art, the upper part of the cover 505 is formed to direct the flow to the piston 102 by having an upward slope. More specifically, the top portion of the cover 505 includes a first inclined region 507 and a second inclined region 508. They combine to produce a non-zero average slope. The alternatives foresee an individual slope, a dependent plurality with abrupt changes that join the slopes or a continually changing slope. Formed to direct the fluid, as used herein, it includes a profile that has a non-zero average slope, and can be an individual slope, a plurality of slopes, a changing slope. The lower part of the cover, as used herein, on the surface of the cover closest to the reaction fluid.

The fluid is directed to the bottom of the cover 505 and by the inlets 503 to the piston 102, as shown by arrow 510. The fluid returns to a storage chamber along a route shown by arrows 511 and 512 The shape of the lower part of the cover 505 and the direction of the inlets 503 help to create a laminar flow where arrows 510 and 511 are shown.

In this way, the invention provides inputs or nozzles in the attachment to non-zero vertical and horizontal angles, as well as through the material that is electrically non-conductive. The non-zero angles, in cooperation with the sloping lower part of the cover, allow the electrolyte to be rolled into the ring groove in the piston and renew the electrolyte solution in the anodization area interface. This circulation of the electrolyte flow, shown by arrows 510 and 511, allows the electrolyte to effectively remove the Heat and renew the fluid (electrolyte) on the aluminum surface to create a dense oxide structure. In addition, this cooperation helps equalize the electrolyte renewal in the anodizing interface, reducing any hot potential points between the electrolyte injection nozzles. The renewal of fluid on a surface, as used herein, includes directing the new fluid to the reaction surface. The various alternatives include having non-zero vertical angles with horizontal angles of zero, with or without the sloping bottom of the cover and with or without the input, non-conductive ring. Other alternatives include having a non-conductive input ring with or without vertical non-zero angles, non-zero vertical angle and the sloped bottom (i.e. average non-zero slope) of the cover. Additional alternatives include having a lower part of the cover that directs the fluid to the component (such as a sloping bottom) with or without a non-conductive input ring, non-zero vertical angles, and non-zero horizontal angles.

Numerous modifications can be made to the present invention that still fall within the proposed scope thereof. Thus, it should be evident that it is provided according to the present invention, a method and apparatus for a system method for the Electrodeposition that completely satisfies the objectives and advantages stated above. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is clear that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is proposed to cover all these alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for electrically treating a surface of a component, characterized in that it comprises: a reaction chamber, adapted to place at least a portion of the component therein, and to hold a reaction fluid; a transport chamber in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, wherein the fluid enters the reaction chamber from the transport chamber through a plurality of inputs directed towards the component, wherein each of the plurality of inputs it is positioned to direct the fluid towards the component in at least one non-zero vertical angle; Y a fluid return path, wherein the fluid returns from the reaction chamber to the transport chamber.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one non-zero vertical angle is at least two non-zero vertical angles.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a first of the at least two non-zero vertical angles is greater than zero and the at least one second of the at least two angles vertical zero is less than zero.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the plurality of inputs is additionally positioned to direct the fluid towards the component to at least one non-zero horizontal angle.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one non-zero horizontal angle is at least two non-zero horizontal angles.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the plurality of inputs is additionally positioned to direct the fluid towards the component to at least one non-zero horizontal angle.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the reaction chamber is an abutment having a cover on the reaction chamber, and the cover has a bottom portion formed to direct the flow that enters the reaction chamber through the reaction chamber. the plurality of inputs to the component surfaces.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower cover part has a plurality of slopes.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the plurality of entanglements and the lower cover part cooperate to renew the fluid on the surface.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the plurality of inlets and the lower cover part cooperate to cause the fluid to remove the heat from the surface of the component.

11. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the plurality of inputs go through a first material that is electrically non-conductive.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the first material is comprised of at least one of ceramic, plastic, PVC, and fiber-reinforced plastic.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of entries are in the abutment, and the abutment further includes a titanium cathode ring.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the titanium cathode ring is vertically adjacent to the first material.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of entries go through a first material that is electrically non-conductive and wherein the reaction chamber is an attachment and the plurality of entries go through the attachment, and the Attachment also includes titanium cathode ring.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the titanium cathode ring is vertically adjacent to the first material.

17. An attachment for anodizing a component, characterized in that it comprises, a reaction chamber with a plurality of inputs, wherein each of the plurality of inputs is positioned to direct an electrolyte towards the component to at least one non-zero vertical angle.

18. The attachment according to claim 17, characterized in that in at least one non-zero vertical angle is at least two non-zero vertical angles.

19. The attachment according to claim 18, characterized in that in at least one of the at least two vertical non-zero angles is greater than zero and the at least one second of the at least two non-zero vertical angles is at least zero .

20. The attachment according to claim 19, characterized in that each of the input plurality is additionally positioned to direct the fluid towards the component to at least one non-zero horizontal angle.

21. The attachment according to claim 20, characterized in that the at least one non-zero horizontal angle is at least two non-zero horizontal angles.

22. The attachment according to claim 20, characterized in that the attachment includes a cover on the reaction chamber, and the cover has a lower part positioned to direct the electrolyte to a reaction surface of the component.

23. The attachment according to claim 22, characterized in that the plurality of inlets and the lower cover part cooperate to renew the electrolyte in the reaction surface.

24. The attachment according to claim 23, characterized in that the plurality of inlets and the lower cover part cooperate to cause the electrolyte to remove the heat from the reaction surface.

25. The attachment according to claim 24, characterized in that the lower part of cover has a plurality of slopes.

26. The attachment according to claim 22, characterized in that the plurality of entries go through a first material that is electrically non-conductive.

27. The abutment according to claim 26, characterized in that the first material is comprised of at least one of ceramic, plastic, PVC, and fiber-reinforced plastic, and wherein the abutment further includes a titanium cathode ring.

28. The abutment according to claim 25, characterized in that the titanium cathode ring is vertically adjacent to the first material.

29. A method for electrolytically treating a component, characterized in that it comprises, directing a reaction fluid towards the component along a plurality of routes, wherein each of the plurality of routes is in one of at least one non-zero vertical angle.

30. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that directing a reaction fluid towards the component along a plurality of routes to one of at least one non-zero vertical angle, includes directing a reaction fluid towards the component as along a plurality of routes, wherein each of the plurality of routes is at least one of two angles vertical not zero.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that the at least one first of at least two non-zero vertical angles is greater than zero and the at least one second of at least two non-zero vertical angles is less than zero.

32. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that each of the plurality of routes is at least one non-zero horizontal angle.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that the at least one non-zero horizontal angle is at least two non-zero horizontal angles.

3 . The method according to claim 33, characterized in that it also comprises renewing the fluid of the surface.

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that it also comprises removing the heat from the surface of the component.

36. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that directing the reaction fluid towards the component along a plurality of routes includes directing the reaction fluid through a first material that is electrically non-conductive.

37. He . method according to claim 32, characterized in that directing the fluid towards the component along a plurality of routes includes directing the reaction fluid through a first material that is electrically non-conductive and is vertically adjacent to a ring of cathode.

38. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that directing the reaction fluid towards the component along a plurality of routes includes directing the reaction fluid through a first material that is electrically non-conductive and vertically adjacent to the a titanium cathode ring.